The Fighter - A Maxerica The Selection Fanfiction

Prologue

I jolt awake, sweat beads on my temple. It has been six years, yet I am still haunted by my past. Six years and I am still dreaming the same dream. Six years and I still dream of the life I always imagined with the one who once was the love of my life, Maxon Schreave. A life of happiness, laughter, children and blissful love.

I blink the tears that had started forming in the corners of my eyes. I consciously push the ghosts that tried to resurrect themselves. My perception adjusts to the darkness of my suite. I live a rather comfortable life, a life that I have earned through hard work and impossible choices.

I look to the miniature clock on my nightstand and it read 4:05am. I know I was too awake to even try to go back to sleep so I decide to get ready for the day. I take a shower and decide to take breakfast on the go.

Never in my life did I think I would ever own a car but being in my position allowed me amenities I never took for granted like cars, houses, food. I hop in my car and drive the half hour commute to work. I decided a while ago that I would live close enough to work, but still distant so I can have a sense of freedom. Although, I knew freedom wasn't in the cards anymore. It hasn't been in six years.

As I step out of the vehicle, a cold winter blast whips my face and I tighten the coat over me. I briskly make my way to the tall building and swipe my key card to let myself in. I make my way to the elevator and punch the up button. Once inside I swipe my key card again and punch the button that led to the private office at the top.

As I arrive in the office, I am still struck with awe that it's mine. When I was recruited six years ago, I never thought that I would be a leader of any organization yet her I am with my own name on a desk that read Scarlet Ryan, Director. It wasn't my intention to become the Director, but it was clear that I was the more qualified to take over after my predecessor died.

I settle into my chair and decide to eat my breakfast as I looks through the files that needs to be approved. I admit to myself that I miss being in the field. My fiery disposition didn't like being confined to a desk job, but I will myself that this was where I need to be.

As I poured myself into the papers in front of me, I am startled by a deep voice, "Working early, I see."

I look up and see my assistant, James, standing in the middle of my office with a smirk on his face.

"What can I say? I am a workaholic," I reply.

"Scarlet, I'm starting to worry about you. More than half the days of the week you are in here early and you are always the last to leave. Are you sure you are ok with all of this? I know being thrust into the responsibilities of Director can be overwhelming, but you need to take care of yourself."

I roll my eyes jokingly and huff, "I'm fine, James. If I can't handle a little stress and sleep deprivation, then I should look for another profession. You worry too much."

I know that his worry comes from a genuine place. We have depended on each for a long time. When the board, a group of other prestigious albeit retired agents, gathered and offered me the position, I was tasked of finding an assistant and I couldn't think of anyone better than James. He has had my back since we were fledglings trying to find our footing in the vast agency that we had gotten recruited into and I have had his. We have saved each other from countless times of near-death experiences. We have a silent language that only the two of us understood and I knew that I would need that when I accepted the role thrust upon me.

After we graduated as recruits, we became partners, traveling on missions and became friends and confidantes. We found out our stories were similar to each other. Each trying to escape ghosts that haunted us. He was the only one aside from the board to know my true identity as I was the only one that truly knew his.